We all know that it is a delight to spend time with our children and that we are doing what we feel is right for them, by homeschooling, but a wise mom will make sure that she safeguards herself from homeschool burnout.
Many well intending people will say that it is a curriculum or the want of curriculum that causes burnout, and while this may be a contributing factor, it is not the only reason for a mom to feel stretched or close to collapse after a season of homeschooling.
Here are 5 ways to avoid homeschool burnout:
Tip #1 - PLAN
Things that need to be planned:
1. Schooling disciplines
2. Weekly Menus
3. Extra classes and sports
4. Housekeeping
5. Time for herself craft, hobby, exercise and time with her spouse
Tip #2 - FUN
We all know the old adage All work and no play... A homeschool mom needs to go out and play too. Doubling up on family sporting activities (for example, buying bikes for the whole family and visiting different places to ride) or taking the odd weekend away from home, are always good. This is not only for mom, but for the whole family. Weekly visits to safe botanical gardens for a picnic, or for a walk on the beach are also wonderful breathing spaces in an otherwise busy schedule.
Tip #3 TIME OUT
No matter how old the children are in a homeschooling home, it is important that mom seeks to have timeout each day. When children are little, this time can be while they are napping or resting. As they get older the can be trained to quietly read for an hour or play with Legos in their room so mom can catch up on what needs to be done, to enjoy a cup of tea without interruption.
Tip #4 READ
Reading a good homeschooling book each year is a highly recommended pursuit for a homeschooling mom. This book needs to be chosen carefully so as to stretch a mom in her thinking and inspire her as she goes about her homeschooling tasks.
Other reading should also be undertaken as it is important that not only homeschooling books that should be read. Novels are escapism and a mom should be careful about the time she spends on this type of reading. Christian biographies always inspire the best in us as we ponder the works of God in others lives.
Reading stretches out minds and feeds our thought life. A wise homeschooling mom cares for her own intellectual growth as well as that of her children.
Tip #5 PRAY
Tip # 5 is the most important tip and should be part of any wise homeschooling moms day. Prayer lifts your eyes from the day to day grind of getting housework, schoolwork and errands done. It helps us to see our purpose as builders of a future generation. Prayer strengthens us in our task as mothers, educators and wives. Prayer lifts us up and helps us to see a future hope in difficult circumstances and yes, prayer is the thing that will help us prevent homeschool burnout as we will be reminded to never grow weary in doing good.
Wendy is the homeschooling mom to 4 children aged 5 12 years. They have always been at home. She has been married for 17 years. Wendys website http://www.homeschool-curriculum-for-life.com is dedicated to helping moms choose curriculum, get organized and enjoy the homeschool journey by equipping them as their roles as wives, woman and moms.
Homeschooling Burnout - How To Avoid It
When a parent takes on the responsibility of homeschooling his/her child, burnout is ultimately a risk they may face at some time during their homeschooling. The main reason homeschooling parents face burnout is due to a lack of a realistic structure of the childs homeschooling curriculum. Often unrealistic goals are set, as the parent believes the...
Free Homeschooling Curriculum
Most people think homeschooling is expensive and is only for the well off. Homeschooling need not be expensive, for example free homeschooling curriculum materials can be obtained quite easily if you know where to look.Free homeschooling curriculum does not just means a set of books but more than that, it should be part of your homeschooling plan.H...
How To Start Homeschooling?
Choosing to homeschool your child is not an easy decision. There are many considerations to keep mind when deciding to go the homeschool route.So how do you get started after you have made the decision to go homeschooling?Here are the list of things you might want to find out and prepare before even starting your first homeschooling session.1) Home...
Guide To Homeschooling: How To Start With Homeschooling
To homeschool or not to homeschool is a tough choice a parent has to decide on. And once the decision of homeschooling your child has been made, the next step is to start homeschooling and to start it right.Let us say for example that given the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling, after having considered the amount of work, creativity an...
3 Tips To Help You Reduce The Cost Of Homeschooling
Homeschooling can be an expensive choice for parents. There are many expenditures that need to be taken into account and the financial burden can be heavy particularly if only one parent is working.However, many families have chosen homeschooling and found the homeschooling experience to be rewarding and fruitful.Though homeschooling is expensive, ...
The High Costs Of Homeschooling
Most people think that homeschooling is cheap since there is no need to pay for school fees and other miscellaneous fees. However, that is further than the truth.In truth, homeschooling expenses can be greater than if you send your child to a regular public school. Public schools are partially funded by government funding whereas for homeschooling,...
The Legal Requirements For Home Schooling
Homeschooling has become a popular type of education in the past few years. Parents can educate their child in their own homes, free to set their own study schedule and education curriculum.If you are planning to home school your child, it is important you know the legal requirements for homeschooling in your state before proceeding.Currently in th...
